ВОЛКОЛАК MMII-MMIV CD

Volkolak (Волколак) is a prominent Russian pagan folk and neofolk band that has carved out a distinct legacy in the underground scene with their powerful themes of Slavic heritage, Nordic mythology, and historical battles. In 2017, the label Crush the Desert Records gathered a crucial era of the band's history by releasing the comprehensive double compilation album MMII-MMIV. This massive retrospective brings together early material and rare tracks recorded between 2002 and 2004, capturing the raw, acoustic majesty, driving percussion, and deep, resonant vocals that define the band's signature sound. The first disc of the compilation immerses listeners in a mythic world of warriors and folklore, opening with the brief, atmospheric intro Silver Horn (Серебряный рог) before launching into the aggressive, sweeping anthems Violent Fight (Неистовый бой) and Eternal Fire (Вечный огонь). The journey continues through the festive yet grim Feast Under the Mountain (Пир под горой) and the dark, brooding melodies of The Ravens and the Enemies (Вороны да вороги) and The Feat of the Grey King (Подвиг седого короля). The final stretch of the first disc leans heavily into European and ancestral myths with Odin's Wolves (Волки Одина), Minstrel's Death (Смерть менестреля), the tragic Volkolaks Death (Гибель волколаков), and concludes with the eerie, captivating textures of Witches Valley (Долина ведьм). The second disc shifts focus toward deeper Slavic spirituality and patriotic historical tales, beginning with the ritualistic fervor of To the God of Fire (Огню Сварожичу) and the defiant To the Russia (Русским). Melancholic folk arrangements take over during A Yew Grove (Тисовая роща) and To the People from East Russia (Дальневосточникам), which pave the way for the seafaring tale of The Brave Viking (Храбрый викинг) and the somber Wolf's Farewell (Волчья прощальная). The compilation rounds out its exploration of old legends with the lively Vavila - Good Fellow (Вавила - добрый молодец), the triumphant Hail the God of the Sun (Слава Яриле), the epic, sprawling At Valiant Prince (У лихого князя), and the mystical Veles and the Warrior (Велес и воин). As a final treasure for collectors, the double album closes with a special single version of The Witch. Ice Hike (Ведьма. Ледяной поход), perfectly sealing this definitive document of Volkolak's most foundational years.